Rookwood Cemetery

Rookwood Necropolis spans some 300 hectares, close to Lidcombe Train Station. It is the largest cemetery in the Southern Hemisphere. It contains a host of things to photograph, birds, flora, grave stones and crypts. On site there is a church “St Michaels” that has a massive Arch Angel Michael on top. The largest of the gravestones and monuments are contained around this area (as this was the site of one of the old railway stations there).

Special Photographic Features or Notes.

You should always be aware of mourners within the cemetery and not photograph around them. The cemetery doesn’t freely give out permission for photography shoots and can make it difficult for you. If you are shooting models there be discreet. You won’t be stopped from taking general photographs for yourself. I take meat and feed the ravens to get them to pose for me. I don’t bother with a tripod as there is a lot of walking you can do. Always take a bottle of water and if you can take a friend. Take a long lens to help you photograph birds and rabbits. Get a map and check out the serpentine canal and the Frazer Mausoleum.

Best time of day.

Early morning and late afternoons always have the best light, but be careful not to get your car locked in at night. The cemetery is open from dawn til dusk, times vary. I’d advise to go on a week day if you can as the cemetery fills with mourners on the weekend. The cemetery does hold open days and run tours, check their website for details. http://www.rookwoodcemetery.com.au/

Getting there.

Rookwood Cemetery is an easy walk from Lidcombe Station. There are bus services that drive through stopping within the cemetery grounds.